Titanium Internal Fixator Removal in Maxillofacial Surgery: Is It Necessary? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

: Titanium plates and screws are essential devices in maxillofacial surgery since late 1980s, but despite their wide use there is no consensus in titanium internal fixators removal after bone healing. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted on seventeen retrospective studies. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for plate removal (per plate and per patient) and for removal causes (infection, pain, screws complications, exposition, palpability). Odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals, and χ 2 test were measured for sex, smoking, and implant site. Heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochran and Inconstancy test. Obtained data were used to design Forest and Funnel plots. The aim of the study is to identify and clarify reasons and risk factors for plates and screws removal. Infection is the most frequent reason; the habit of tobacco usage and implant site (mandibula) are the main risk factors. The administration of antibiotic prophylaxis is essential, and patients must quit smoking before and after surgery. In conclusion there is no scientific evidence supporting the removal of internal devices as mandatory step of the postoperative procedure

Virtual Surgical Planning in Orthognathic Surgery: Two Software Platforms Compared

Over 70% of patients suffering from dentofacial deformities mention esthetics as the biggest issue pushing them to look for orthodontic and orthognathic treatment. At present, several pieces of software for computer-aided surgery have been released on the market. This surgical planning software allows surgeons to manipulate digital representations of hard and soft tissue profile tracings and subsequently morph the pretreatment image to produce a treatment simulation. The aims of this study were to investigate and find the difference between two of the most used pieces of digital software in pre-surgical planning for patients affected by dentofacial deformities by using the following parameters: usability, validity, timing, accessibility, efficacy, and predictability of the pre-surgical planning. Analyzing the results obtained from our study, it is correct to define both software tools useful and valid in digital surgical planning for the treatment of patients with dentofacial deformities. Each software has negligible differences in performance that do not in any way affect the success of surgical planning. The IPS software represents a valid alternative to the most popular and tested Dolphin Imaging software, and we are even inclined to evaluate it as better in terms of accuracy, effectiveness, and reliability

Guidelines and Recommendations for Patient Management, Surgical Activities, and Safety in the Maxillofacial Unit and Head and Neck Department During COVID-19 Pandemic

The recent pandemic has led to an unprecedented overload of sanitary systems around the world. Despite that a maxillofacial department is not a frontline specialty in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 infections, our department has found itself faced with numerous problems in keeping the care system active and efficient while ensuring safety for patients and healthcare professionals. Massive redistribution of health personnel was needed to improve prevention and personal safety measures. The education and training system has been kept active, giving residents a decisive role in managing the state of emergency response. This article outlines new guidelines for infection prevention: from clinical control, treatment processes, clinical management, protection, and disinfection of healthcare professionals